Fire-extinguisher.



Patented Oct. 29, I90l.

E. H. ELLIS.4 FIRE EXTINGUISHEB. (Application filed Oct. 10, 1900.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

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(lo Model.)

E. H. `ELLIS. FIRE EXTINGUISHER.

(Application filed Oct. 101900.)

Patented Oct. 29, I90I.

2 Sheets-Silent 2.

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PATENT FIRE-EXTINGUISHER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 685,586, dated October 29, 1901.

Application filed October l0l 1900. Serial No. 32,599. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom, zit may concer-n:

Be it known that I, EDGAR H. ELLIS, a citizen of the United States, anda resident ofthe city of New York, borough of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Fire-Extinguisher, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

Theinvention relates to portable nre-extinguishers using a fire-extinguishing fluid in a closed receptacle; and the object of the invention is to provide a new and improved tireextinguisher which is simple and durable in construction, very effective in operation, and arranged to prevent leakage or evaporation of the fluid, and thereby maintain the practical efficiency of the apparatus for any length of time.

The invention consists of novel features and parts and combinations of the same, as will be fully described hereinafterand then pointed out in the claims. Y

A practical embodiment of the invention is represented in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a sectionalside elevation of the improvement. Fig. 2 is a plan view ot' the same. Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of the receptacle. Fig. 4 is a sectional plan View of part of the locking device for locking the pump-plunger to the pump-cylinder, the section being on the line 4 4 in Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a reduced plan view of the fastening-plate for removably holding the receptacle in position on a truck or other support.

The improved fire-extinguisher is provided with a receptacle A of suitable dimensions and formed with a base B and a cover O, having a threaded opening in which screws an externally-threaded ring D, abutting with its inner end on an annular flange E', formed externally on a pressure-chamberE, surrounded by said ring D, and extending with its lower portion into the receptacle A and with its upper portion to the outside above the ring D. The pressure-chamber E supports a pump for forcing the liquid contained in the receptacle out of the saine upon the lire, as hereinafter more fully described, the said pump comprising a cylinder F, extending centrally through the pressure-chamber E and soldered or other- 4wise fastened thereto. The lower end of the `cylinder F fits upon angular lugs B', formed on the bottom of the base B inside of the receptacle A, the extreme lower end of said cylinder being a distance above the base to permit a ready flow ofthe liquid into the pumpcylinder.

In the pu mp-cylinder F is mounted to reciprocate a plunger G, formed with the usual cups, of rubber or other material, to preventleakage, the plunger being secured on a plunger-rod H, extending up in the cylinder F and through the upper end thereof, as is plainly shown in Fig. l. On the outer end of the plunger-rod H is removably secured a handle H', adapted to be taken hold of bythe operator to reciprocate the plunger G in the cylinder F. On the shank of the handle H is formed a downwardly-extending cap H2, formed'with outwardly-extending flanges H3, adapted tofit under lugs H4, extending inwardly, and formed on a nut'H5, screwing on the upper threaded end of the cylinder F, directly above the air-inlet opening F for .the cylinder F.

When the flanges H3 are under the lugs H4, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, then the plungerrod H and with it the plunger G are locked in position in the cylinder F, and when it is desired to operate the pump for the purpose described then the operator rst gives a quarter-turn to the handle H', so as to cause the flanges H3 to move out from under the lugs H4 to permit of drawing the plungerrod and with it the plunger G outward for pumping purposes.

When the apparatus is not in use, the projections H3 engage the lugs H4 and lock the plunger and its rod in position in the cylinder F, as previously mentioned, the plunger G then standing in a lowermost position within the cylinder F, as shown in Fig. 1. On the lower end of the plunger G is secured a cap G', of rubberor other material, extending over a screen J, held in a suction ballvalve I, screwed or otherwise fastened in the lower end of the cylinder F, said cap G' covering the outlet K to prevent passage of the liquid through the suction-valve I to the said outlet K at the time the apparatus is not in use, and the plunger Gis located in a lower- IOO most position by the locking device on the l handle, above referred to. The outlet K is in the shape of a pipe opening into the bottom of the pressure-chamber E, and in the said outlet is arranged a ball-valve L, containing a screen J' for normally closing the outlet K to the pressure-chamber E. From the bottom of the pressure-chamber E leads a discharge-pipe N, containing a number of bends N N2 N3 N4 N for forming a plurality of liquid seals, so that the discharge-pipe N is sealed no matter in what position the lapparatus is placed. The pipe N extends through the roof of the pressure-chamber E, to the outside thereof, and the outer end of said pipe N is connected by a suitable coupling O with a hose P, carrying a discharge-nozzle Q, provided with a stopper R, adapted to beinsel-ted in `a vent S, arranged in the cover C for the receptacle A, so that said vent is closed by the stopper R at the time the apparatus is not in use; but when the apparatus is to be used the operator removes the nozzle and its stopper R from the vent, so that the latter is used in the usual manner forsupplyingair to thereceptacleAduringthe pumping operation. The vent S preferably contains a ball-valve S for closing the said ventSWhen the receptacle A is moved into an angular position, so as to prevent outflow of the liquid from the receptacle A through the Vent S.

In order to prevent leakage of fluid between the pressure-chamberE and the pumpcylinder F, suitable stufllng-boxes T T may be employed, as is plainly shown in Fig. l.

In order to allow of conveniently carrying the apparatus about from one place to another, thc upper end of the receptacle A is preferably formed with an annular groove A, into which fits a strap U, ot' leather or other material, having handles U', adapted to be taken hold of by the operator for the purpose mentioned. The base B is formed with outwardly-extending flanges B2, preferably arranged in the shape of a star or the like and adapted to fit under a retaining-plate V, carried by a truck or other suitable support, the retaining plate having an opening corresponding to the shape of the flanges B2, so that the said flanges may be passed through the opening in the retaining-plate to bring the ilanges under the retaining-plate upon giving the receptacle a quarter-turn. (See Fig. 5.) By this simple means the receptacle is removably attached to a suitable support.

In order to till the receptacle A with lireextinguishing lluid, the operator unscrews the ring D and removes the pressure-chamber E and with it the pump from the receptacle. As the latter is now open, it can be readily filled with the lire-extinguishing fluid, and When this has been done the pressurechamber E, with the pump rigidly'attached thereto, is placed back in position, and then the ring D is screwed down so as to securely hold the pressure-chamber and the pump in position on the receptacle. The operator takes hold of the nozzle and places the stopper R in position on the vent S, so as to hermetically close the latter and prevent escape of gas that may generate or be contained in the receptacle A. The apparatus is now either fastened to a suitable support on a truck or the like or is placed on a table, floor, or the like to be ready for immediate use.

When the apparatus is at rest, the plunger G is locked in a lowermost position by the flanges H3 of the cap H2 engaging the Xed lugs H4, the plunger-cap G then closing the outlet K and the suction-valve I at the screen J, so that the liquid contained in the receptacle A cannot pass through the outlet into the pressure-chamber E.

When the apparatus is to be used, the operator gives a quarter-turn to the handle Il to` unlock the plunger, as previously described, and then removes the nozzle Q, from the Vent S, after which the operator works the handle H', so as to reciprocate the plunger G in the cylinder F and force the liquid contained in the receptacle A out of the same into the pressure-chamber E, from which the liquid passes to the discharge-pipe N and hose P into the nozzle Q and to the lire to be extinguished.

After the apparatus has been used for its legitimate purpose it is refilled, if necessary, as above described, and then placed back on its support, the nozzle Q beinginserted in the vent S to close the saine and the plunger G locked in a lowermost position in the cylinder F, for the purpose previously described.

It is understood that after the first use of the apparatus the several bends l N2 N3 NA1 N5 contain liquid and form liquid seals for preventing leakage of any gas no matter in what posi tion the apparatus may be placed. It is understood that in apparatus of this class in which a lire-extinguishing liquid is used it is very essential that no leakage Wh atever takes place of any liquid or gas contained in the receptacle A, so that the apparatus remains very effective for a long time.

When the several parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1, then any gas or liquid that passes through the hose P and nozzle Q is returned to the receptacle A by way of the vent S, so that none of the gas or liquid is lost. By having the pump attached to the pressure-chamber and the latter extended into and removably secured to the receptacle A a very compact apparatus is had and convenient access can be had to any of its parts for repairs or other purposes.

When the tank is filled with liquid and the machine has not been used, the traps are empty of liquid; but the pressure of the liquid in the receptacle is sufficient to press the ball-valve S in the vent against the opening in the nozzle, and thus allows of no escape of the gases from the receptacle. When the extinguisher has been used, then one or more of the traps are filled with liquid, and the IOO IIO

tank not beingfull the ball-valve does not press against the nozzle-opening; but escapage of gas is impossible beyond the first filled trap-that is, from the-receptacle. Likewise air cannot escape from the pressure-chamber beyond the first filled trap no matter in what position the extinguisher may be placedupside down, for instance. Furthermore, when the traps are once filled, as they are after the machine has been used, it will be impossible to empty all of the traps no matter in what positions the extinguisher may be placed.` The strength of the solution in the receptacle and that which may be left in the traps is left unimpaired. There can be no escapage of gases or fluid at any time if the plunger is looked and the nozzle is placed in the vent. The device is positively hermetically sealed, and in fighting fire the first portion of the solution is of the same strength as the last, which is not the case invmost extinguishers as heretofore constructed.

Having thus fully'described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. A fire-extinguisher, comprising a receptacle for containing a lire-extinguishing fluid, a pump extending into said receptacle and having its handled plunger-rod extending to the outside of the receptacle, and a pressurechamber removably secured in said receptacle and carrying said pump, the said pressure-chamber having an outlet-pipe opening into the pressure-chamber near the bottom thereof, the said outlet-pipe having a plurality of reversely-arranged bends located Within the pressure-chamber, and so arranged that one or more of said bends will remain sealed if the receptacle should be overturned, the outlet end of said pipe being connected with a hose having a discharge-nozzle, as set forth.

2. A fire-extinguisher having a receptacle for containing a fire-extinguishing fluid and provided with a vent, a pump extending into said receptacle, a pressure chamber into which the liquid is pumped from the receptacle, the said pressure-chamber having an outlet provided with a plurality of reverselyarranged bends for sealing the fluid, and a discharge-nozzle connected with the outlet from the pressure chamber and provided with a stopper for closing said vent when the apparatus is not in use, the said vent having a valve arranged to close the vent if the receptacle should be tipped over, the bends of the outlet-pipe being so arranged that one or more of them will remain sealed if the receptacle should be overturned, as set forth.

3. A fire-extinguisher having a receptacle for containing a fire-extinguishing iuid, a pressure-chamber carrying a pump arranged to rest on the bottom of said receptacle, and a wing-nut screwing in the cover for said -receptacle and engaging an annular flange exteriorly on said pressure-chamber, as set fori-Jh;

4. A lire-extinguisher having an outlet for a fire-extinguishing liquid, said outlet having a series ofreversely-arranged bends for sealing the apparatus and preventing the leakage of the fire-extinguishing fluid, the said bends being so arranged that one or more of them will be sealed should the receptacle be tipped over, as set forth.

5. A fire-extinguisher having a pressurechamber and an outlet therefor, the said outlet being provided with a plurality of traps for sealing the liquid and preventing leakage thereof and so arranged that one or more of said traps will remain sealed if the receptacle should be overturned, as set forth.

6. A fire-extinguisher having a pump comprising a pump-cylinder, a pump-plunger, and a locking device for locking the plunger to the cylinder, said locking device comprising a nut adjustable on the upper end of the cylinder and having inwardly-extending anges at its upper end, and a cap on the v pump-plunger and formed with outwardlyextending lugs adapted to fit under the iianges of the nut, as set forth.

7. A lire-extinguisher having a pump comprising a cylinder having an inlet and an outlet, a plunger working in said cylinder and provided with a cap for closing said inlet and outlet, and a device for locking said plunger to the cylinder at the time the plunger-cap closes said inlet and outlet, thevsaid locking device comprising a nut arranged to screw on the pump-cylinder and having inwardly-extending flanges, and a cap on the upper end of the pump-plunger and provided with outwardly-extending lugs adapted to fit under the iianges of the nut, as set forth.

8. A lire-extinguisher, comprising a receptacle for containing afire-extinguishing` liquid, a pressure-chamber extending Within the top of said receptacle, means for removably connecting the pressure-chamber with said receptacle, a pump for pumping the contents of the receptacle into said pressure-chamber, the pump-cylinder being provided with an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the cylinder being connected with the pressure-chamber, a plunger working in said cylinder and provided at its inner end with a cap for closing said outlet and said inlet, and a locking device for exteriorly locking the plunger to said cylinder at the time the plunger-cap closes said inlet and said outlet, the said locking device being adjustable, as set forth.

9. A fire-extinguisher, comprising a recep tacle for containing a fire-extinguishing liquid, a pressure-chamber removably connected with said receptacle, a pump for pumping the contents of the receptacle into said pressure-chamber, the said pump-cylinder being provided with an inlet for the liquid, and an outlet connected with the pressure-chamber, an outlet-pipe for the pressure-chamber havving a series of bends, a nozzle connected with said outlet-pipe, a plunger working in said cylinder and provided With a cap for closing the inlet and outlet of the cylinder, and an IOO IIO

adjustable locking device for said plunger, as set forth.

10. A {ire-extinguisher, comprisinga receptacle for containing a fire-extinguishing fluid, a pressure chamber removably connected with said receptacle, a pump for pumping the contents of the receptacle into the pressurechamber, a pipe connecting the outlet of the pump with the pressure-chamber, and a discharge-pi pe for the pressurechamber,the said pipe leading from the bottom of the pressurechamber and then extending through the pressure-chamber, and out at the top thereof, the said pipe having a bend below the pressure-chamber and a plurality of reversely-arranged bends within the pressure-chamber and so arranged that one or more of said bends will remain sealed if the receptacle should be tipped over, substantially as set forth.

Il. A fire-extinguisher having a receptacle for containing a fire-extinguishing liquid, a pressure-chamber removably connected with the said receptacle, a pump for pumping the contents of the receptacle into said pressurechamber, said pump being rigidly secured to the pressure-chamber, the pump-cylinder extending through said chamber, lugs on the bottom of the receptacle, for receiving the lower end of the pump, and a ring screwing into the top of the receptacle and engaging said pressure-chamber and locking the latter and the pump in place on the receptacle, as set forth.

12. A fire-extinguisher having a receptacle for containing a fire-extinguishing fluid, a pressure-chamber extending into the top of the receptacle, a ring screwing into the top of the receptacle, and engaging the pressurechamber to lock the samein place, and apump for pumping the contents of the receptacle into said pressure-chamber, the pump-cylinder extending centrally through the pressurechamber and projecting above and below the same, and rigidly secured to said pressurecham ber at the points Where it passes through the top and bottom of the same, whereby all the working parts of the extinguisher are secured together and may be readily removed from the receptacle, as set forth.

13. A fire-extinguisherhavinga receptacle, a vent for the same and containing a ballvalve, a pressure-chamber having an outletpipe for the fluid provided with a plurality of bends so arranged that one or more of said bends will remain sealed if the receptacle should be overturned, a pump for pumping the Huid from the receptacle into the pressurechamber, and a nozzle connected with the outlet-pipe and having a stopper fixed thereon for insertion in said vent to hermetically close the same as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EDGAR H. ELLIS.

Witnesses:

THEO. G. I-IosTER, JNO. M. RITTER. 

